Robotic Surgery
OB/GYN Robotic Surgeon in Longview, TX
OB/GYN Dr. Carlos E Quezada is a pioneer in robotic surgery, being the first OB/GYN robotic surgeon in the state of Texas in 2005 when the da Vinci robotic system was approved for gynecology by the FDA. He also routinely performs gynecological surgical procedures not commonly performed by other doctors in the East Texas area.
What Is the da Vinci Surgical System?
The da Vinci® Surgical System is a less-invasive treatment option for a range of uterine conditions. It enables surgeons to perform procedures with unmatched precision and control – using only a few small incisions and a high-definition, 3-D camera. This sophisticated system expands a surgeon’s capabilities while offering a minimally invasive option for complex major surgeries.
The term “robotic surgery” can give the impression that the robot (the da Vinci Surgical System) is performing the surgery. This is far from the case.
The da Vinci Surgical System does not and cannot operate on its own. Rather, it seamlessly replicates the surgeon’s hand movements with the tips of miniaturized surgical instruments. The system cannot make decisions during the procedure. Nor does it make any type of movement or maneuver without the surgeon’s direction.
What the da Vinci system does is to eliminate the natural slight “shake” or jitter of human hands, and it is absolutely precise and steady. It also ensures total microscopic accuracy.
How Does Robotic Surgery Work?
The machines used in robotic surgery are designed to perform controlled movements as directed by the surgeon who is manipulating it. The da Vinci Surgical System is computer-enhanced equipment that essentially places a computer between the surgeon’s hands and the tips of tiny instruments. The robotic system replicates the surgeon’s movements in real time.
During the procedure, the surgeon is seated at a console a few feet away from the patient. From there, the doctor can view a detailed image of the surgical site while operating with complete precision.
The system relays a certain amount of force feedback sensations back to the surgeon throughout the procedure, for a tactile experience like regular surgery. This is the same type of technology as that used in computerized virtual reality.
What Can Robotic Surgery Be Used For?
The da Vinci Surgical System has been used to perform a wide variety of gynecological surgeries, including:
- Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Treatment for Robotic Assisted firefly endometriosis, scar tissue, or general pelvic pain
- Treatment for heavy or Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- Removal of uterine Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts or tumors
- Surgery for Cervical Cancer, Uterine Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer
- Treatment of urinary incontinence
- Placement of cerclage (Stitch in cervix) for recurring pregnancy loss
- Uterine or bladder prolapse
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?
Patient benefits of robotic-assisted surgery (as compared to traditional surgery or other types of surgery) include:
- Faster postsurgical return to normal daily activities
- Significantly less pain
- Less blood loss during surgery
- Fewer complications
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stays
da Vinci Robotic Surgery Q & A
What is da Vinci robotic surgery?
The innovative da Vinci robotic surgical system is a technologically advanced tool that makes it easier for Dr. Morales to perform minimally invasive gynecologic procedures, such as myomectomies and hysterectomies.
Don’t let the thought of robotic surgery scare you. Dr. Morales is completely in control of the procedure at all times. In fact, only highly skilled surgeons with extensive experience performing nonrobotic surgeries offer this type of procedure.
The da Vinci system translates Dr. Quezada's hand movements into smaller, more precise motions. In addition to a miniature size, the da Vinci robotic components can move in ways that would be impossible for a human hand.
This increased flexibility and control allows Dr. Quezada to perform complex surgeries through a tiny incision. The da Vinci system also projects a magnified, high-definition 3D image of the inside of your body to offer a clear view.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery?
Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries offer numerous benefits compared to traditional procedures. In a traditional hysterectomy, Dr. Quezada makes a large incision across your abdomen that leaves a scar and takes several weeks to heal.
Minimally invasive procedures require much smaller incisions — about the size of a buttonhole — to insert miniature surgical instruments. He is even skilled in offering Single Site Surgery that has been called "Scarless Surgery" because a complex procedure can be accomplished through your umbilicus or belly button.
Advantages of robotic-assisted surgeries include:
- Less pain
- Faster recovery time
- Less scarring
- Minimal damage to healthy tissue
- Reduced risk of complications
Who is a good candidate for robotic surgery?
The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for da Vinci robotic surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Morales. She has extensive experience using the da Vinci system to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, such as:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Uterine prolapse
What should I expect from a robotic-assisted procedure?
First, Dr. Quezada carefully evaluates your condition to determine whether robotic-assisted surgery is right for you. She practices a conservative approach to medicine and only recommends surgery when other treatments fail to improve your condition.
Minimally invasive surgeries still require general anesthesia and typically last three to four hours. Afterward, you recover faster and experience less pain than you would from traditional surgery.
To learn more about your options for robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, call the office of Quezada, OB/GYN, or book an appointment online.
Robotic Surgery FAQs
At the medical office of Dr Carlos E Quezada, we often get questions about robotic-assisted surgery. We’ve collected some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers in the hope it may answer a question you have.
Because the da Vinci Surgical System is categorized as robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, insurance plans (including Medicare) that cover minimally invasive surgery generally do cover this procedure. Your insurance coverage will depend on your particular plan.
If you have been denied coverage, please call the da Vinci Surgical System Reimbursement Hotline at (888) 868-4647, ext. 3128. From outside the United States, please call 33-1-39-04-26-90.
Surgeons who use robotic-assisted minimally invasive methods such as the da Vinci Surgical System gain greater surgical precision, improved dexterity and range of motion while operating, enhanced visualization of the surgical site, and improved access than with traditional, open surgeries.
Benefits experienced by patients include a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss during surgery, less pain after surgery, less scarring, a lowered risk of infection, and a faster return to normal daily activities.
That said, none of the benefits listed here can be guaranteed, because every surgery is patient- and procedure-specific.
Not at all. The da Vinci Surgical System cannot make decisions on its own or maneuver in any way without the surgeon’s direct input. By replicating the surgeon’s movements in real time, it allows the surgeon to be more precise, enhancing their surgical capabilities – and improving patient outcomes.
The product is called "da Vinci" because Leonardo da Vinci conceptualized a humanoid robot, and he also used 3-D details for anatomical accuracy to bring his masterpieces to life.
Why not find out if you might benefit from a robotic-assisted surgical procedure? Call Dr. Carlos E Quezada’s office at (903) 753-7658 today or click here to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT or use our convenient and secure appointment request form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Quezada. Dr. Quezada and his team are ready to take care of you right here in Longview, Texas.